Vision Statement

Empowering parents and caregivers to thrive and find balance on their caregiving journey, envisioning a world where parents and caregivers’ mental and emotional well-being is prioritized, and where compassionate support and understanding is readily available in families, among friends, in communities, and our workforce.

What We Do….Awareness, Education, and Advocacy

  • AWARENESS: We deliver compelling speaking engagements and presentations to highlight the hidden toll caregiving takes on parents , families, workplaces, and communities. Whether at conferences, chambers, business groups, government agencies, service organizations, or faith-based events, we shine a light on the often-overlooked parents and caregivers' experiences. In addition, we also emphasize the critical role of family and community members in recognizing parent and caregivers' challenges and being proactive in offering support. With over 50% of caregivers unaware they are labeled a caregiver, many go unsupported until burnout sets in. We spark essential conversations and help others recognize the caregiver crisis—and its impact on every part of society. Let’s bring visibility to the invisible caregiver and work together to help prevent burnout and build stronger, more compassionate communities and workplaces. To start the conversation, contact us.

  • EDUCATION: We provide speaking engagements, tailored workshops, and presentations for parent and caregiver groups, businesses, nonprofits, service and faith-based organizations focused on fostering self-care to help prevent burnout. Our holistic-educational programs support the “sandwich generation” and other caregivers—parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, youth, and friends—who may balance work and caregiving responsibilities. Through practical self-care strategies and real-life tools, we help caregivers learn to prioritize their self-care, minimize worry, and sustain their energy to help prevent burnout. To collaborate with us, or if you have questions let’s start the conversation, contact us.
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  • ADVOCACY: We work with businesses and leadership teams through consulting, in-house (customized) well-being presentations, and workshops to implement parent and caregiver-friendly work environments. Our programs focus on self-care strategies and mind management techniques that help prevent burnout among the 70+% of U.S. workers who also serve as caregivers either part-time or full-time. Forward-thinking companies that recognize this shift are better positioned to retain top talent, reduce turnover, possibly cut costs, and thrive in today’s global economy. With women making up 60% of caregivers, many with advanced degrees, ignoring this reality puts organizations at risk of losing key contributors and their top talent. To stay competitive and supportive, businesses must adapt. We're here to help you lead the way. Explore our “Caregiver Advocate Business Program” or contact us to schedule in-house training or ask questions. Start creating lasting, impactful change today!
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Board of Directors

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Carolyn Dowdy

President and Founder

Carolyn Dowdy, Founder of Caregiver Mental Wellness, brings a diverse background to her role. She has served as a compassionate caregiver, founded and managed a bank consulting firm, held positions as Vice President of Operations, HR, and Training, is a self-published author, and played pivotal roles in launching two start-up banks in Georgia. Carolyn earned her “Bachelor of Science in Business” from Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee. She furthered her education at the University of Texas in Austin, completing "The Graduate School of Financial Institutions Management," and graduated from the “Nonprofit Management Institute” through the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits.

With sixteen years of personal experience as a family caregiver for her parents and husband, Carolyn is deeply committed to advocating for the mental and emotional well-being of family caregivers and promoting supportive workplace environments. Her dedication culminated in the establishment of Caregiver Mental Wellness, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina. Her work, informed by extensive research over five years on caregiver burnout and the challenges facing family caregivers in today's workforce, underscores her passion for raising awareness and effecting positive change in family caregivers’ lives.

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Thomas Schnupp

Vice President

Thomas Schnupp retired from an extensive career in the field of physical therapy with a specialty in Geriatric Physical Therapy. He worked at various healthcare type facilities in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia, and currently resides in Concord, North Carolina. He dedicated his life to the field of Physical Therapy with a passion for supporting his care recipients. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wheeling Jesuit College then attended Physical Therapy School at West Virginia University. Thomas continued his education and completed his master’s degree at the Medical College of Virginia. With a focus on home care, hospice care, an Alzheimer’s unit, and various skilled and extended care facilities, he gained extensive experience in elderly care. In addition to his extensive clinical experience, Thomas served on the faculty at Wheeling Jesuit University School of Physical Therapy.

With over thirty years of observing the various situations of caregivers in the home, he has a passion for supporting initiatives to support the well-being of caregivers. He witnessed the emotional toll on caregivers and championed mental well-being and support groups. Even in retirement his legacy continues to shine through as an advocate of caregivers’ well-being.

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Jane G. Clark, MPA, CPS

Vice Chairman & Secretary

Jane brings a diverse and well-rounded background—educationally, professionally, internationally, and experientially—to her leadership roles in the behavioral and public health fields. She currently serves as a Senior Manager with a consulting firm and has over 20 years of experience supporting government and non-profit agencies in program development, planning and implementation, training, grant writing, and business development initiatives.

She has held leadership roles including Chief Administrative Officer for Promise Resource Network, Eastern Regional Director for CARE Consulting Group, Director of Member Engagement for Cardinal Innovations in North Carolina, and, in Oklahoma, Director of the Southwest Prevention Center and Director of the American Indian Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Jane holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Letters, both from the University of Oklahoma.

Her commitment to community service spans 20 years, including board positions with Foster Village Charlotte, Carolinas CARE Partnership, and the Epiphany School of Charlotte; involvement with the British International School of Charlotte’s parent advisory group; leadership with the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy; and roles as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and Emergency Foster Parent. She also completed mediator training through the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Early Settlement Center.

Jane’s professional path is deeply informed by her personal experience as the mother of a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Navigating the challenges of caregiving—even with her expertise—highlighted how limited support can be for families, especially those without access to behavioral health resources. This drives her commitment to helping other caregivers through both advocacy and service.

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Advisory Board

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Ashley Henderson

Certified Family Partner
Care Manager and Educator

As a parent of a developmentally delayed child and former educator and advocate, I’ve seen the deep emotional and mental challenges caregivers face. Navigating systems, advocating for services, and balancing everyday life can be overwhelming and isolating. I joined the Caregiver Mental Wellness Advisory Board because I believe caregiver mental health must be a priority, not an afterthought. My goal is to help ensure caregivers feel supported, heard, and equipped with resources that truly meet their needs. I’m passionate about building a community where caregivers don’t just survive but feel seen, valued, and empowered in their journey.

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Emily Green, CEO & Founder

Emily Green, LLC
Director of Programming
Love Means Business

Emily Green is a TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Grace Communications, Emily Green LLC. After building and selling a national marketing agency, she launched her personal brand to empower others through speaking, consulting, and her podcast, Love Means Business. She also leads the online Speaker Support & Referral Group, connecting thought leaders with media, speaking, and podcast opportunities. Emily speaks on topics like business growth, confidence, toxic love, and personal development—helping others turn pain into purpose.

She’s honored to serve on the Caregiver Mental Wellness Advisory Board, driven by her firsthand experience supporting her mother as a caregiver during her father’s cancer journey. Emily knows how critical mental health and self-care are for caregivers and is passionate about raising awareness and support. A mom, wife, and avid traveler, Emily brings empathy and lived insight to every stage and conversation.

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Janelle Goodrich

Director of Operations
University City Partners

A Midwestern native, she’s called Charlotte home since 1995 and has spent the last 15 years helping shape University City’s growth as Director of Operations for University City Partners. Armed with a B.A. in Interior Design and a minor in photography from Virginia Commonwealth University, I juggle everything from graphic design and event branding to bookkeeping, property management, and RFP wrangling. My passion for clear communication and thoughtful design keeps our community’s projects moving-and looking—their best.

Why join Caregiver Mental Wellness Advisory Board? The mission hits home. I watched my sister shoulder the emotional weight of caring for our mom during her battle with Alzheimer’s, and I saw firsthand how easily caregivers set their own well-being aside. Lending my skill set to an organization devoted to their mental wellness feels like the most meaningful way I can honor that experience—and help others avoid the burnout my family experienced.

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Leah Marone, LCSW

Psychotherapist
Mental Wellness Consultant

Leah is a seasoned psychotherapist, corporate mental wellness consultant, and Yale clinical instructor based in Charlotte, NC, with over 20 years of experience. She has facilitated more than 20,000 therapy sessions and is the author of Serial Fixer: Break Free from the Habit of Solving Other People’s Problems. A former Division 1 basketball player who worked through significant anxiety, Leah is dedicated to helping high-achieving leaders and teams break cycles of burnout, perfectionism, and self-neglect. Leah joined the Advisory Board of Caregiver Mental Wellness Inc. because she believes caregivers are often the backbone of families, communities, and organizations—but too often lack the support they need. She’s passionate about promoting sustainable self-care, emotional regulation, and boundary setting for those who constantly pour into others. Through her work, she hopes to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and empowered to prioritize their own well-being.

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Matthew Brown

The Huntington National Bank
Senior Relationship Manager 

While I grew up in Hickory, NC, I have made Cabarrus County my home since 2001 after attending UNC-Charlotte, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, as well as my MBA.  I have been in the banking industry for the better part 25 years and have spent most of that time helping business clients with strategic advice to reach their goals, and leading groups of banking professionals to maximize results. 

The mission of the Caregiver Mental Wellness Advisory Board really aligns with my values, and helping those who help is extremely important.  Having seen first had how mentally taxing it can be to take care of someone with cognitive and mental decline; I wanted to find a way to give back to those who give so much.  I hope that my skill set in banking and leadership can help make a meaningful impact to the organization and the community as a whole.  

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Tara McAlister, SPHR-CP

Emerald Financial
Operations and People Strategy Manager

As an HR Professional and passionate advocate for workplace well-being, I’ve seen firsthand how caregiving responsibilities impact not just individuals—but entire organizations. I’m honored to join the Advisory Board of Caregiver Mental Wellness Inc., an organization working at the intersection of compassion and strategy to uplift caregivers, families, and workplaces alike.

Throughout my career, I’ve partnered with leaders to create intentional, people-first strategies that build better workplaces—and stronger businesses. Supporting caregivers isn’t just a wellness issue; it’s a business imperative. I believe that when companies embrace caregiver-friendly practices, they build cultures of inclusion, improve retention, and unlock long-term success.

Caregiver Mental Wellness Inc. aligns deeply with my purpose: helping businesses grow by aligning their people’s strategy with human needs. I’m especially excited about contributing to the “Caregiver Advocate Business” program—bringing education and strategy together to transform the modern workplace.

I also value the organization’s commitment to family education and community outreach. Caregivers are often the glue holding everything together. If we can empower them with support, resources, and real workplace change, everyone wins.

It’s a privilege to be part of this mission—and I’m energized to help shape what’s next.

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